Synonyms of actuate

actuate

verb

ˈak-chə-ˌwāt 

1

as in to activate

to cause to function

a light actuated by a motion detector

the alarm system actuates the door locks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• activate
• trigger
• spark
• drive
• power
• move
• generate
• start
• fuel
• set off
• ignite
• provoke
• push
• turn on
• crank (up)
• run
• touch off
• switch
• charge
• energize
• stimulate
• fire
• electrify
• launch
• turn over
• release
• reactivate
• discharge
• excite
• accelerate
• arouse
• incite
• kick over
• instigate
• catalyze
• recharge
• trip
• quicken
• stir up
• vitalize
• speed (up)
• step up
• jump-start
• kick-start

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• kill
• cut
• shut off
• cut out
• stop
• brake
• check
• turn off
• stick
• cut off
• deactivate
• halt
• draw up
• arrest
• suppress
• repress
• slow
• stall
• jam
• decelerate
• stunt

2

as in to move

to set or keep in motion

hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear

Synonyms & Similar Words

• move
• drive
• activate
• propel
• work
• trigger
• stimulate
• impel
• motivate
• provoke
• raise
• incite
• stir (up)
• set off
• whip (up)
• rouse
• excite
• inspire
• arouse
• fire (up)
• foment
• abet
• trip
• ferment
• instigate
• galvanize
• inflame

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regulate
• control
• contain
• restrain
• check
• inhibit
• constrain
• curb
• rein (in)
• bridle

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb actuate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of actuate are drive, impel, and move. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

When could drive be used to replace actuate?

The synonyms drive and actuate are sometimes interchangeable, but drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Where would impel be a reasonable alternative to actuate?

The words impel and actuate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

When is it sensible to use move instead of actuate?

In some situations, the words move and actuate are roughly equivalent. However, move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of actuate

Optical switches actuate via light rather than metal contacts. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026

Creating such complex structures combining soft and rigid features and actuating them with artificial muscles would further our understanding of natural kinematic structures. — IEEE Spectrum, 6 Mar. 2026

The robots respond differently depending on how researchers actuate them. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026

With 265-front and 295-rear summer meat connecting them to the pavement, the CLE53 never felt lacking in this department, and the pedal was rather pleasant to actuate. — Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026